Penn State Predictions: Lions will roll

By Chris Morelli on September 14, 2017

Just three games into the season and Penn State is going under the lights.

Following a workmanlike 33-14 victory over Pitt, the No. 5 Nittany Lions will face a 0-1 Georgia State team under the lights on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions will need to get their offensive swagger back. Trace McSorley struggled at times against the Panthers, completing 15 of 28 passes for just 164 yards. He did, however, connect for three touchdowns and just one interception.

The Penn State defense looked solid in the win, and this week shouldn’t present much of a problem for the Lions. Depending on where you look, Penn State is favored by 38 points or more.

Here’s what our staff thinks of this week’s “primetime” matchup:

Michael Kresovich, sports intern (Season record 2-0): This is not a trap game in any way. Penn State will have little to no difficulty moving the ball against Georgia State. Shawn Elliott, head coach of the Georgia State Panthers, does have SEC experience. Elliott spent the last few seasons on the South Carolina Gamecocks coaching staff. Expect Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley to sit the fourth quarter on the bench. The Nittany Lion defense will continue to impress and lock offenses down. Maintain an eye on the strong sided defensive end, Shareef Miller, expect him to be all over the stat sheet.

Penn State 48, Georgia State 13.

Matt Lingerman, sports intern (Season record 2-0): After a mediocre showing in the passing game against Pitt, expect James Franklin to devise a balanced plan of attack against Georgia State. The Penn State defense will continue to shine against a Georgia State team that scored just 10 points in its loss to Tennessee State. Franklin will want his Nittany Lions to tighten any loose screws in their final test before conference play begins next weekend.

Penn State 45, Georgia St. 3

Chris Morelli, managing editor (Season record 2-0): Other than the fact that this is a night game, there’s not much to talk about here. Penn State will win this game. The only question is: Will the Nits cover? Make no mistake about it, Georgia State is bad. This one will be high scoring, but only on one side of the stat sheet. Much like last week, enjoy the scene and the tailgate because this one will be over by halftime.

Penn State 52, Georgia State 6.

John Patishnock, beat writer (Season record 2-0): Let’s not try to analyze this one. Just enjoy the day. Stay hydrated, and stay safe. There will be some question marks? How many snaps will Tommy Stevens get at quarterback? Will a running back named Saquon Barkley see 15-plus carries? The usual stars will get their stats, but this should be a night when most of Penn State’s sideline sees action.

Penn State 48, Georgia State 10.

Abbi Sales, sports intern (Season record 2-0): It's no secret that Saturday's game will most likely be a blowout win for the Nittany Lions. This matchup is a chance for PSU to patch up some of the holes from last week's game against Pitt. Expect the Nittany Lions to get on the board early and often in this one.